32 Weeks Pregnant

How big is a baby at 32 weeks? During week 32, your tiny human is already practicing breathing for when he’ll hit the outside world. He weighs 3 3/4 pounds, and measures 16.7 inches head to heels — about the size of a cabbage. But he’s not the only one who keeps gaining weight — you are putting on pounds too! The average weight gain per week during the last trimester of pregnancy is 1 pound — and roughly half of that goes to your baby. Get ready for more contractions and acrobatics inside your womb — and take advantage of your little one’s inactivity to get some rest!

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Pregnancy Symptoms at 32 Weeks

Pregnancy Symptoms at 32 Weeks

What to Expect:

What to expect at 32 weeks pregnant? Did you know that your blood volume has increased by about 40-50 percent since you got pregnant? That’s because your body needs to accommodate both your baby’s growing needs and yours.

Right now, the uterus is pushing up near your diaphragm, making breathing more difficult and causing you to occasionally experience shortness of breath.

Heartburn, constipation, gas and bloating are also common during week 32 because of your slower digestion. You can try to relieve the discomfort by eating smaller meals and sleeping with a pillow tucked under your stomach.

Lower back pain is another symptom you’ll probably experience. If your back becomes achy out of sudden, let your caregiver or midwife know right away, as this can be a sign of preterm labor. If it’s not preterm labor, then you can blame — you guessed it! — your expanding uterus, which makes your belly grow bigger and shifts your center of gravity in the process. Hormonal changes weaken abdominal muscles, which worsens a backache.

Feeling tired? Truth be told, it’s difficult to sleep when your belly is so big! Invest in a specially-shaped pregnancy pillow, as it provides enough support to your growing baby while allowing you to sleep comfortably.

Your Baby at 32 Weeks

Get ready for some good news — your baby now has fingernails, toenails, and even hair (or at least, some respectable peach fuzz). As he’s bulking up and piling on layers of fat, his skin is becoming smoother and less translucent. All his five senses are now fully developed, and his REM (dream cycle) is beginning by now. Lanugo begins to disappear, as does vernix caseosa (the waxy substance that protected your baby’s skin against the effects of amniotic fluid).

What’s even more interesting is that your baby has his own daily routine, and he enjoys periods of rest and wriggle. When he’s awake, he’s practicing breathing, swallowing, sucking, and kicking — basically, all skills he’s going to need once he hits the outside world. An ultrasound should reveal whether or not your baby has moved into an “engaged” position right now, with his head pointing toward your vagina. If he hasn’t, don’t worry — he’s got another 8 weeks before birth! If your baby was born now, he would have a great chance of surviving without any life-threatening conditions.

Ultrasound Images of 32 Week Pregnancy

Bellies at 32 Weeks

Pregnancy Tips

It’s time to get ready for D-day! One of the first things to do is to give your partner a copy of your birth plan including your chosen type of delivery, preferred delivery positions, and pain relief techniques. Next, make sure you’ve packed the things you’ll need in hospital, from toiletries to comfy clothes — and of course, your little one’s first outfit. You’re probably brimming with excitement as your due date approaches, and choosing your baby’s clothing is the best bit of the planning process.

Also, get a contingency plan in place if your partner can’t make it to the hospital on time.Have you got someone to take you to the emergency room if you go into labor? Do you have an emergency phone number at hand in case that contractions start earlier than planned? Early preparations can save you stress and frustration!